Well what can I say, some much time has passed by since my last blog and what a great year 2016 turned out to be. One of my greatest achievements has to be one of my biggest fears standing in a marquee full of people with a microphone fitted giving a Chocolate and Truffle making demonstration at our local Cardigan River and Food Festival! Wow, what an experience and I LOVED IT! Such kind words from everyone that had watched my demonstration and this gave me more drive and enthusiasm to continue sharing my passion whenever possible.
I think
one of my highlights has to be working with Laura from Dynamix, her summer
school last year was based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We met
for coffee and threw some ideas around and came up with a Wonka Bar, this was
just perfect for me. I went home and sourced the chocolate moulds I
needed, a Wonka Bar t shirt for me to wear at the workshop and made all
the Children 'Golden ticket' name badges.
Laura ran
two workshops one locally in Llechryd and another in Narberth. We made
Wonka Bars with popping candy and also Chocolate toppers for fairy cakes. Laura
came up with the great idea as part of the workshop for them to make their
own Wonka Bar wrapper this also allows them to release their creative
side. With the Musical music in the back ground throughout the day before
I knew it I was quietly singing along, and then as I was packing away I
got the hear the Children singing, just perfect!
They say never work with Children or Animals but I disagree, the look on those Children's faces when they see their own Chocolate bar that they have made is priceless and so rewarding as a tutor that you have been able to pass on your skills to all ages as young as 3!
These are just two things that clearly stand out in my mind and several Workshops, Masterclasses and Demonstrations continued throughout the year at Dinefwr House Food Festival, Crymych Food Festival and many more. The newest addition to my Workshops has to be my Savoury Bakes, another success with my returning workshop customers.
I've had
several reviews from the lovely Your Local Crowd who have participated in my
Truffle making and Patisserie workshops, this will give you a taste of the
workshop itself and what delights you get to make and bake and even better take
home with you at the end of the day, what's not to enjoy!
http://yourlocalcrowd.co.uk/patisserie/
http://yourlocalcrowd.co.uk/truffle/
As the
summer was coming to an end I was automatically thinking about more training, I
was scanning through twitter and College Ceredigion page appeared, before I
knew it I was emailing them asking if they had any part time courses available.
I had a quick response and after a couple of visits I was offered to gain
my Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery, this would finally give me a
qualification, developing current skills and also learning new ones.
I have food theory lessons on a Monday and
Wednesday is out practical lesson where I get to create. This is a 34 wk
course covering Meat, Fish, Vegetables, Dough, Pastry, Bread, Sauces, Food
Safety, including a 3 day Level 3 Food Safety exam. I absolutely love the
kitchen environment and enjoying every week, however some weeks I’m way out of my comfort zone yet creating wonderful
dishes and inspired at every lesson by my Tutor Huw. Already
ideas are flying around my head how I can implement these new skills in my
Workshops.
In March
we have been given the opportunity to cater at the Cheltenham Gold Cup, this is
such an exciting opportunity and will be such an amazing experience, who knows
what kitchen I will end up in and who might the famous Chef be in charge?
2017 is
already looking to be an exciting year.
To be
continued......................
M x
Truffle Making, Patisserie and Savoury Bakes Workshops
College Creations
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